When I first came to UC Berkeley as a freshman, I made a bucket list of things I wanted to achieve during my time in college: finding communities, learning new skills and exploring a range of academic and geographic areas. Three and a half years later, most items are checked off, yet there are several things I still have left to do. With a little more than three months left, here are the last five things to check off my college bucket list before graduation.
Play the carillon (Sather Tower bells)
There is a DeCal that teaches students how to play the bells in UC Berkeley’s iconic Sather Tower, known as the carillon. I love to play instruments, so when I heard during my freshman orientation that there is a class that allows students to learn the carillon, I knew I had to take it. I don’t know why I waited until my last semester, but I hope to finally learn and play my favorite tunes over the campus this semester.
Hike the Fire Trails
While I’ve hiked up the Big C numerous times, I still haven’t been to the Fire Trails, a hike that runs up the Berkeley Hills from behind Clark Kerr. I heard that the hike is longer and harder than the Big C, but the view is amazing. Hopefully, I can go up soon on a clear day and catch the sunset.
Take a road trip to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park
Previous travel bloggers have provided recaps of their journeys to Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. I visited both during road trips with my family years back, but I want to explore both landmarks for myself from a more mature, independent viewpoint. I would love to take a break in the middle of the semester to drive out and enjoy the nature if I can.
Try local restaurants
Whenever I eat out, I find myself going back to the same, familiar restaurants, missing out on local gems that many people talk about. I need to get my wallet ready because there’s a long list of places I want to try near UC Berkeley: Kiraku, Cheese Board Collective Pizzeria, Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen, Great China, Gather Kitchen, Comal, Grégoire Restaurant, The Butcher’s Son, Boichik Bagels, Palm Açai Café and Kitchen Story Oakland.
Strengthen existing relationships
For the past three years, I’ve tried to widen my circle to meet as many people as possible. While I want to keep forming new relationships, I especially want to focus on strengthening the ones I already have with individuals and communities that have been there for me throughout my college career. I hope to foster deep relationships that will last long after graduation.
After graduating, I will always be able to travel more and learn new things, but I can never replicate the environment and experiences that college offers me. I’ll always cherish living so close to friends, having an opportunity to meet amazing people on campus and getting the chance to try new hobbies with little risk. I hope to check these five things off the list, but more importantly, I hope to enjoy my last semester here to able to look back and smile years later.